The programme of our panel discussion on food, health and family announces: "Benefits of healthy eating from the early years to old age". My contribution is to take a look at the special nutritional requirements of the elderly; a topic which is only beginning to be discussed - at least in Germany.

As Brillat-Savarin brilliantly stated over two centuries ago, the very necessity of nourishment might explain why societies often take for granted a fundamental aspect of human culture. Yet gathering and sharing meals is a central social action with important consequences for physical and psychological wellbeing, as well as for the structure of occupations in society.

For a few decades already, the extension of the work-related life outside the house for women has shaped a new situation within the home, but without giving rise to a new distribution of roles at home. Except for some exceptions, it is stated that the majority of cooking activities are carried out by the adult woman of the household group.

I studied law and finished off with a Masters degree. After my studies I worked for some time before I got married and started a family. From that time onwards, bringing up my family was my profession. I raised four children and the youngest is now 12 years old.